ASHLAND, Wis. – The Northland College Men's Hockey team fell in its Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference opener to No. 6 University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire 6-1 Friday night in Ashland, Wis.
 
After giving up a quick first goal the Jacks responded with a goal on their first powerplay of the game. Freshman Ben Stewart scored his second goal of the season getting the assist from Zach Ross. At the end of the first period the Blugolds and LumberJacks were tied at one even with UWEC recording 23 shots to Northland's five.
 
The second period started the same as the first with Leo Bacallao scoring an early goal. This goal was the game winner for the Blugolds. UW-Eau Claire continued to find the back of the net ending with six goals. UWEC scored four of their six goals on the powerplay, going 4-for-10 with the extra man.
 
Northland was outshot 61-15 with Stewart and Bryson Cecconin leading the offense with three shots. In net Viktor Wennberg had a career-high 55 saves. The senior goal tender also got help from the defense, who blocked 16 shots. Zane Burleigh and Evan Ilkos both tallied three blocks.
 
The Jacks play their first road conference game tomorrow (Saturday) as they travel to Stevens Point, Wis, to play the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point at 7 p.m.
 
Northland College is an NCAA Division III institution located in Ashland, WI. The LumberJacks and LumberJills sponsor 14 varsity sports and compete in the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference, Midwest Lacrosse Conference, and the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.